Martin O’Malley calls for boycott of Trump White House on St. Patrick’s Day

Former Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley is invoking the 1916 Proclamation in an attempt to persuade a White House boycott this St. Patrick's Day. WikiCommons

One of Irish America’s most prominent politicians is calling for a boycott of the Trump White House on March 16. Martin O’Malley, former governor of Maryland and Democratic Party presidential candidate, is invoking the 1916 Proclamation in an attempt to persuade people not to attend the White House gathering set for Thursday, March 16.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is scheduled to present President Trump with the traditional bowl of shamrock on that day.

O’Malley, who has been very active in recent weeks campaigning for Democrats in various special elections around the country, wants people to sign a petition urging a boycott.

“The enduring symbol of the United States of America is not the barbed wire fence, it is the Statute of Liberty,” said O’Malley in an email statement.

“So please, ‘in the name of God and of the dead generations from which Ireland receives her old tradition of nationhood,’ boycott Trump's St. Patrick's Day gathering at the White House on Thursday, March 16.”

“No shamrocks please for the immigrant-hating Mr. Trump. No tri-color flag pins for White supremacists with Irish surnames such as Stephen Bannon.

“Let's show Trump how many Irish Americans and fellow Americans oppose his policies. Make your Irish ancestors smile,” he said in his statement.

“We are not a deportation nation that breaks up immigrant families and separates parents from their children. As John F. Kennedy said, ‘We are a nation of immigrants.’ Our diversity is our greatest strength.”